Important considerations for those hurt in truck crashes

On behalf of Reinig, Barber & Henry posted in Truck Accidents on Friday, February 24, 2017.

Common sense will tell you that a semi-truck versus car accident usually causes far greater damage than an accident between two passenger vehicles. However, what you may not realize is that personal injury claims involving commercial trucks have different elements to consider than normal crashes.

Let's look at two important details one should consider regarding a semi-truck crash:

First, semi-truck crashes tend to cause more injuries. A large semi-truck that is fully loaded could way well over 80,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the average passenger car weighs in at just 3,000 pounds. Can you imagine a collision between these two vehicles? Unfortunately, the size and weight discrepancy is why semi-truck crashes tend to be more destructive.

Second, there are some common reasons why semi truck crashes happen. These usually relate to the large, slow-moving, and heavy nature of a semi-truck. They are slow to accelerate, slow to stop and they have trouble seeing small vehicles around them. There is also the added fact that passenger car drivers don't always give semi-trucks the space and time they need to react to traffic situations.

It's because of the above details that semi-trucks, their drivers, and transportation companies are held to specific driving rules and maintenance standards. Failing to adhere to these rules can get a semi-truck driver and his or her employer in big trouble in the event of an injurious or fatal crash. They may also be liable for financial damages.

Washington residents hurt by a negligent or unlawful semi-truck driver may have strong claims for financial restitution in court. If you were hurt in such a crash, a personal injury attorney can help you review the strengths and weaknesses of your potential claim.

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At Reinig, Barber & Henry, we service clients from Kennewick, Washington, and throughout the Tri-Cities and surrounding area, including the following cities in Washington: Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Walla Walla, Sunnyside, Grandview, Prosser, Othello, Ritzville and Moses Lake; the following cities in Oregon: Umatilla, Hermiston and Pendleton; the following Washington counties: Benton County, Franklin County, Adams County, Grant County, Columbia County and Walla Walla County; and Umatilla County in Oregon.